Really ruthless portrayal of someone who was self-destructive, but with a redemptive moment at the end that makes him very human. Also, really interestingly has a character allowing a lie in an unexpected way. And the shitting story is repeated twice, but is so much more revealing the second time, and almost is better because we know it's coming. Also, the dueling warren stories - warren as a little perverted kid who wants to see Sarah's crotch, vs. warren needing someone to care about him later and Ben blaming himself and Ted for killing warren. Finally, the idea that ben loves sarah, because when he knew her he was unselfconscious and had no barriers to loving her. Also, he feels like everyone is shitting on him, I think, but with Sarah -- he felt like he deserved her scorn. In a way, by creating this piece of shit reenactment video, he's invited her over to shit on him. It's part of his self-destructiveness.

Didn't outline this, but learned plenty...

​Simple. Two couples, all friends, one couple introduced the others and now the others are getting divorced. Beautiful story but told so poignantly. PEOPLE LATCH ON TO PETTY DETAILS IN BIG ARGUMENTS. It's what makes this feel so real. Is that even in an argument about something life-altering, people still mince words and pick at each other. Also, the hair-touching moment. A very simple interaction between Tom and Karen, but it infuses EVERYTHING - Beth's jealousy, Tom's discontent, Gabe's insecurity, Karen's harsh feelings towards Tom - with a deeper, more complex humanity. 

Woman with a secret. Dramatic irony. Catchy, memorable moments. Good set ups and pay offs. Great lead character. Cable comedy. We should study this script further. 

Written by Darlene Hunt

Something that a lot of mediocre scripts have in common, whether they're about married couples or a group of young friends, is that they tend to explore the same issues in a very generic, non-character specific way.

Examples on next page...

Friends not living up to their potential. This is a them that’s often thrown around when we’re talking about new shows, and this is a good example of that theme done well. Very good script to read when we’re attempting a network show that focuses on ONE THEME seen through different viewpoints.
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Written by David Walpert

Very interesting and somber pilot. The writing is great and there's plenty to learn from this one. Good example of a show with a strong lead character in a very realistic world. Feels like the beginning of an indie movie almost. This is a tone we'd like to hit in a show at some point, so this is definitely worth revisiting. 

Written by Diablo Cody & Tig Notaro

NBC made the pilot but that's all that happened. This show balances an ensemble well. It uses comedic games to keep the funny up.  We should re-visit it when we write shows about friends. 

Written by Kassia Miller

This is the outline of the first 35 pages. They're amazing. Should probably outline the rest at some point. This movie is funny.

Written by Will Ferrell & Adam Mckay

Don't remember much about this one. Must have read it a few years ago. Don't have time to think back on it right now, but definitely will in the future. 

Written by Diablo Cody (so probably it's great) 

Favorite show of all time? Maybe. Pilot that's taught us the most? Also maybe. Let's read this every day forever. Outline posted here but also posting some random thoughts I found in my pilots folder.
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Written by Liz Brixius & Linda Wallem and Evan Dunsky